Ufuk Talay believes Sydney FC’s upcoming AFC Champions League Two Semi-Final is the biggest game in the history of the Isuzu UTE A-League club.
More history awaits Sydney as they prepare for a blockbuster Semi-Final tie against Singapore’s Lions City Sailors, who will host the first leg on April 9 before the Sky Blues return to Allianz Stadium on April 16.
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The most successful Isuzu UTE A-League side with five Championships, Sydney progressed to their first ever Champions League semi-final after upstaging South Korean giants Jeonbuk Motors and Talay’s men are out to create more history.
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“I believe so,” said Talay when asked if it was Sydney FC’s biggest ever.
“Domestic football is very important but playing an international ACL campaign is probably our biggest challenge so far.
“It’s a great occasion for our club to be in. Our club has had a lot of success, played in many Final Series and Grand Finals, but achieving semi-final football in the ACL is a great opportunity for us to create history and possibly go all the way.
“Being a head coach at Sydney FC in a great occasion like a semi-final in the ACL competition is probably one of the biggest moments for me as a coach as well.
“We definitely need the support of our fans to come midweek and support the boys to get through the second leg.”
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Should Sydney get the better of a team boasting Socceroos defender Bailey Wright, it would open the door for the Sky Blues to host the ACL Two final.
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“That excites us—the possibility of playing a Final in Sydney if we make it. It would be a great occasion for the club and our supporters,” said Talay, whose team are also vying for a spot in the Isuzu UTE A-League top six.
“I look at our last game against Jeonbuk, and our die-hard fans were there. The Cove was there, and the support was incredible.
“If we can get even more of our fans to come out for this massive occasion in the semi final, where we can create history, I think it’ll be a great night.”
